A Guide to the Best Bookshops in Dublin

Want to discover literary Dublin? This list of 10 amazing independent bookshops in Dublin is a great place to start! These new and second hand bookstores are not to be missed.

What is perhaps not known by those who come to Dublin seeking Irish bars and Guinness is that Dublin is a very literary city. In fact, it’s a UNESCO city of literature and has been since 2010.

A host of infamous writers have called Dublin home and there are plenty of places of interest, monuments and museums celebrating Irish authors around the city. From Wilde to Joyce to Beckett to Yeats there is no shortage of literary connections.

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It should come as no surprise then that the city also boasts a large number of wonderful independent bookshops which are well worth adding to your Dublin itinerary. This range of Dublin bookshops stock new books, used books, rare books, specialist books and more.

What I was struck by in each of these Dublin bookshops was their keenness to promote Irish authors. Pretty much every single one of these bookshops in Dublin had an Irish fiction section near the front of the shop which is exactly what I was looking for as a literary traveller. 

So without further ado, here are 10 of the best independent bookshops to visit in Dublin.

10 Best Dublin Bookshops

Chapters Bookstore

Chapters Bookstore is an absolutely enormous bookshop. In fact, it is It is Ireland’s largest independent bookstore. As I walked through the store I was astonished to find that the bookshelves just went deeper and deeper. There are only two floors but this store truly goes on and on and on and on and on!

Unsurprisingly given the size, they stock pretty much every genre, both fiction and non-fiction. If you’re shopping with a particular book in mind then you can guarantee that they’re going to have it here. The only trouble is that you might not be able to find it! Thankfully, there are plenty of booksellers on hand to point you in the right direction and they are all very friendly.

Whilst the ground floor is stocked with new releases and new copies, upstairs there is a dedicated second hand books section. My eyes were particularly drawn to the large selection of orange Penguin classics as well as a collection of beautiful second hand Folio editions.

Not only does Chapters Bookstore win on quantity but they also win on prices. I had to seriously restrain myself in here as they basically stocked every book I’ve ever wanted to read at very reasonable prices and I just wanted to grab everything. Think 3 books for €13 kind of prices.

In addition to books, they’ve got DVDs, music, cards, gifts and more.

Address: Ivy Exchange, Parnell St, Dublin 1, D01 P8C2, Ireland
Opening Hours: 9am-6:30pm Tuesday to Saturday
Website: apters.ie/

The Winding Stair 

If I had to pick a favourite (and it’s hard because they’re all so wonderful), The Winding Stair would be my favourite Dublin bookshop.

The Winding Stair Bookshop is one of the oldest surviving independent bookshops in Dublin and is a cosy establishment with a restaurant of the same name on top. Indeed the name itself has literary connections and is inspired by the 1933 WB Yeats poem of the same name.

My Soul. I summon to the winding ancient stair

WB Yeats, The Winding Stair

Inside you’ll find books in a variety of genres – there’s everything from bestsellers and general fiction to current affairs and gardening. Whilst the majority of the shop is dedicated to new books, there’s a small alcove at the back with used books and gifts.

What I loved is that there is plenty of Irish fiction to be discovered here on their dedicated Irish author shelf. This is where I spent most of my time searching and I ended up buying Actress by Anne Enright and The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley, both Irish authors.

The Winding Stair is less of a bookshop and more of an experience as you can enjoy tea, coffee and wine after you’ve browsed the treasures on their shelves. If you’re feeling peckish, head upstairs (via the winding staircase!) to their artisan Irish restaurant to make your visit really special. There are views of Ha’Penny Bridge and The Liffey river from here!

This is a beautiful bookshop, inside and out, and I’d highly recommend popping in when you’re in Dublin. In addition to books, there are plenty of fabulous literary gifts available including T-shirts, mugs, notebooks. The staff were very friendly and happy to chat and recommend titles too so if you’re unsure what you’re in the mood for, just ask.

Address: 40 Ormond Quay Lower, North City, Dublin 1, D01 R9Y5, Ireland
Opening Hours: Monday, Friday: 10am-6pm;Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday, Saturday: 10am-7pm; 12a -6pm Sunday
Website: https://winding-stair.com/bookshop.html

Books Upstairs

Books Upstairs is another favourite Dublin bookstore of mine as well as all those who pass over its threshold. Founded in 1978, this is Dublin’s oldest independent bookshop and its ethos has long been to support the positive role of books in society and particularly in Irish culture.

They historically focused on literature, history and politics but were also ahead of their time in displaying underrepresented genres such as philosophy, psychology, feminism and gay literature. How could you not want to support such a lovely establishment?

They stock a mix of new and second hand literature and, as of 2020, trade online too. In addition, they regularly host literary events including launches, readings, and discussions.

If you can’t wait to dive into the pages of your new read then head upstairs where there’s a cosy cafe for you to settle down in with a nice cup of tea. It’s a lovely space with big, bright windows and an old fireplace.

Books Upstairs is a really special bookstore in Dublin and with its striking blue exterior in a preserved Georgian building you have any trouble finding this one.

Address: 17 D’Olier Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm Monday to Saturday; 2 – 6pm Sunday
Website: booksupstairs.ie

The Gutter Bookshop 

The Gutter Bookshop is one that I stumbled upon completely by accident whilst wandering around Dublin’s infamous Temple Bar district. And I’m so glad I did.

This independent bookshop in Dublin boasts a really well-curated selection of general fiction, classics and new releases. They’ll have the famous titles everyone’s talking about as well as some more niche books that have been carefully selected as must-reads.

It’s not a particularly large bookshop but you can be sure that every book in here is worth the shelf space.

For those with kids, there’s also a really great children’s book section which caters for all ages from first time readers to young adults. Importantly, they sell a diverse range of children’s book and plenty by native Irish authors too.

In addition to books, they regularly host bookish events, readings and bookclubs. In fact, each month they host not one, not two, not three, but four bookclubs! If you’re a Dublin resident, be sure to check these out. Each has a different theme and there’s something for everyone.

Also, Wilde fans will be pleased to know that the bookshop takes it’s name from the quote:

“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars”

Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere’s Fan

Address:  Cow’s Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin 8, Ireland
Opening Hours: 10:30am-6:30pm Monday to Saturday, 11:30am-6pm Sunday
Website: https://gutterbookshop.com/

Hodges Figgis

Hodges Figgis is Ireland’s oldest bookshop and has been in operation since 1768. In fact, it’s thought to be the third oldest bookshop in the world.

It’s mentioned in books by Irish authors such as Ulysses by James Joyce and the more modern Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney.

“She, she, she. What she? The virgin at Hodges Figgis’ window on Monday looking in for one of the alphabet books you were going to write. Keen glance you gave her.” 

Chapter 3, Ulysses by James Joyce

What is not quite so obvious from the outside is that this is another secret Waterstones. Much like The Rye Bookshop, this book poses as an independent bookshop but was actually bought by Waterstones a few years ago.

When you enter it looks much like any other Waterstones, but this store still holds onto some of its independent bookshop roots with its own loyalty programme and dedicated and attentive staff.

Address: 56-58 Dawson St, Dublin 2, D02 XE81, Ireland
Opening Hours: 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday; 11am-6pm Sunday
Website: https://www.waterstones.com/bookshops/hodges-figgis

Stokes Books

If you’re looking for second hand books, Dublin’s Stokes Books is the place to visit. This cosy bookshop is hidden in George’s Street Arcade and has stood there since 1989. The bookshop itself is small and tight with books are stacked from floor to ceiling and covering pretty much every available surface, including the floor.

You may struggle to know where to focus your attention as there are so many treasures to discover here but the bookshop’s very knowledgable owner, Stephen Stokes, is usually on hand to assist and very happy to chat.

The book collection continues outside of the shop with several tall bookshelves opposite the entrance and lining the market’s walkway. There’s a lovely collection of secondhand Folio Society editions out here with books in very good condition – perfect for collectors.

I did think that the bookshop is incredibly trusting as when they shut up shop they simply pull a sheet down over these outside shelves! Definitely not something that would happen in London…

NB. Although it says it is open from 10:30am – 6pm every day, I visited this place twice and it was shut. It was only on my third attempt that the store was finally open! I’m unsure if this was because of special circumstances or if the timings are just rather sporadic.

Address: 19 Market Arcade, South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 6pm every day

Ulysses Rare Books Ltd.

Ulysses Rare Books Ltd is a specialist bookshop stocking rare and antiquarian novels with a particular focus on rare editions of twentieth-century Irish literature. If you love the smell of old books then this bookshop is for you.

Whilst the collections are stunning, some of the prices are steep, so you may find yourself quietly perusing these shelves rather than picking up books to buy. Unless if you fancy a first edition Joyce for €120k.

If you’re a collector, however, then this bookshop is an essential visit. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a lovely gift for a bookworm in your life then you can be sure they’ll have something truly unique here. This bookshop is full of one-of-a-kind gems that book lovers will cherish.

In addition to rare editions of classic literature, there is a great selection of vintage children’s books as well as some lovely maps downstairs.

Address: 10 Duke St, Dublin, D02 AD78, Ireland
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday
Website: https://www.rarebooks.ie/

Dubray Books

I must admit that I was quite reluctant to go into Dubray Books at first as it looked like your average chain bookshop to me but in I went and I was pleasantly surprised. In fact, Dubray Books is rather like the Irish equivalent of Blackwells, one of my favourite British book retailers.

Dubray Books are Irish booksellers and their Dublin branch on Grafton Street stocks a good selection of new books spanning three floors. Each store has up to around 15,000 books so its the place to go if you’re desperate for a new title on the day of release.

What’s more, they’ve got an extended range online of over 200,000 titles so if (for some reason) you can’t find what you’re looking for in store, they’d be more than happy to order them in for you.

The bookshop is situated on Dublin’s main shopping street so you’ll almost certainly come across it during your time in Dublin. If you’re after some new fiction to keep you company on your travels, pop in and see what these experienced booksellers recommend.

With a small coffeeshop upstairs its also a great place to take shelter from the rain in Dublin!

Address: 36 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Opening Hours: 9am – 7pm Monday to Wednesday; 9am – 9pm Thursday to Friday; 9am – 7pm Saturday; 10am – 6pm Sunday and Bank Holidays
Website: https://www.dubraybooks.ie/

Gallery of Photography

The Gallery of Photography is a the National Centre for Contemporary Photography in Ireland. I was drawn to it, however, when I spotted its neon sign whilst walking across an otherwise dreary, stone courtyard. I spotted lots of books from the window so in I went.

Whilst upstairs is the main gallery (where you will find a free exhibition!), downstairs is a specialist bookshop with a cool collection of photography-related books.

It’s the sort of place to look for gifts for arty friends or coffee table books for your home. It’s a small shop so its a well-curated selection of art and photography related books.

I thought it deserved a mention on this list since it encouraged me, someone who would not typically read about either art or photography, to head further in and check out their exhibition and I was also tempted to pick up a title or two. Arty types, this gallery and bookshop are for you.

Address: Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Opening Hours: 11am-2pm Wednesday, Thursday
Website: https://www.galleryofphotography.ie/

The Library Project 

Even more hipster than the above bookshop suggestion is The Library Project. Located in the very centre of Dublin’s Temple Bar district, I was drawn in by this shop’s literary name.

I must admit there is a strange selection of books here so don’t expect orderly shelves. Instead, the books are laid out on tables pushed up against the walls of the room and it’s all just very hipster. 

They describe their own establishment as for “visual culture and critical thinking”. There are books about both the critical and the creative side of architecture, design, photography and more. There are also Irish magazines and some artwork to purchase.

Curiously, and perhaps a little out of place, they also have some children’s books. Activity books, educational books, Irish books and more.

It’s a small shop but your Dublin itinerary will almost certainly include the Temple Bar district so its worth popping your head into if you’re a creative soul.

Address: 4 Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 YK53, Ireland
Opening Hours: 11am-6pm Tuesday to Friday, 12pm-6pm Saturday to Sunday
Website: https://tlp.photoireland.org/

That’s it! These are 10 of the best bookstores in Dublin to visit on your trip to Ireland. Do you have any others to recommend?

Other Dublin bookshops

For even more book stores in Dublin, add these to your list:

The Company of Books
Alan Hanna’s Bookshop & Bakery
Eason
Forbidden Planet

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Laura

Founder & Editor of What’s Hot?

Laura is an award-winning travel and book blogger based in the UK. She studied French literature at Oxford University and is now an IP lawyer at a top law firm in London. She was named UK Book Blogger of the Year in 2019 and loves to combine her passion for books and travel with literary travel.